Pumice stone market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

The Spanish pumice stone market volume expanded from approximately 240 thousand tons in 2019 to 463 thousand tons in 2024, despite some interim fluctuations. The period began with a consolidation of production in the key Campo de Calatrava region, where the number of operating sites was reduced to two, potentially affecting production capacity and efficiency.

After a slight dip in 2020, production surged to 320 thousand tons in 2021, then experienced a modest contraction in 2022 before jumping sharply to 455 thousand tons in 2023. These movements reflect volatile demand patterns in the construction and manufacturing sectors, which are the primary consumers of pumice stone.

By 2024, the market was supported by growing demand for pumice's sustainable and ecological properties in construction and manufacturing. Production remained concentrated in the Campo de Calatrava area, ensuring a steady supply from established operations.

Production pumice stone in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Spain's pumice stone output was valued at 1 779 thousand US dollars, marking a 4.2% year-over-year decline.

Annual dynamics of production in Spain in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Spain produced 236.2 thousand tonnes of pumice stone in 2020, showing a slight decrease of 1.2% compared to the previous year.

Annual dynamics of production in Spain in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports pumice stone from Spain

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2020 at 16.1 tonnes, representing a significant 20.8% year-over-year reduction. This followed a peak in 2018 at 79.4 tonnes, creating a top-to-bottom ratio of 4.9 times. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 74.4% drop, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 51.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Spain in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Chile, the United States, and Gibraltar were the three principal markets for Spain's pumice stone exports in kind, collectively accounting for 69.2% of the total.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Spain in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Spain's cross-border shipments of pumice stone declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 82.0 thousand US dollars, a sharp 60.7% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 76.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 38.1%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 363.9 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 5.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Spain in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017–2020, the United States, Morocco, and Japan were the key partners for Spain's pumice stone exports in value terms. The United States accounted for 55.1% of exports, Morocco for 16.9%, and Japan for 6.5%, together making up 78.5% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Spain in value, 2017-2020

Imports pumice stone to Spain

Imports in kind, t

Foreign pumice stone supplies to Spain increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 430.8 tonnes, up by 18.7% over the past year. However, between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 9.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.4%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 325.4 tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 31.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Spain in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Portugal, the United States, and Germany were the principal suppliers of pumice stone to Spain in kind. Portugal contributed 29.8% of imports, the United States 29.0%, and Germany 8.1%, jointly accounting for 66.9% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Spain in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Spain's pumice stone imports increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Spain imported 461.3 thousand US dollars worth of pumice stone, a 24.5% rise compared to the previous year. Despite this, between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 6.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.1%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 326.5 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 33.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Spain in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Over the period 2017–2020, China, Germany, and the United States emerged as the main markets for Spain's pumice stone imports in value terms. China accounted for 30.6% of imports, Germany for 20.4%, and the United States for 19.5%, together representing 70.4% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Spain in value, 2017-2020